The casting journey for the role of Fiyero in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked nearly took a different direction, as casting directors revealed that Jonathan Bailey was initially unavailable due to his demanding schedule. Renowned for his performances in Bridgerton and other high-profile projects, Bailey was juggling three different jobs when casting for the two-part cinematic experience began.
Bernard Tesley and Tiffany Canfield, the casting directors, disclosed to *People* that they faced significant challenges in securing Bailey for the role. Despite receiving numerous indications that he was not available, Canfield remained resolute, stating, “I refused to take no for any reason.” Their determination to cast Bailey set off a rigorous process to make the actor available.
The directors had previously recognized Bailey’s talent from his performance in the 2018 West End revival of *Company*. Remarkably, just before the official casting process began, Bailey was in New York and met with Tesley and Canfield. Following their meeting, Tesley remarked to Canfield, “That guy should be Fiyero, right?” This initial impression laid the groundwork for their relentless pursuit of Bailey.
Bailey’s manager, Duncan Millership, played a crucial role in convincing the actor to audition for the part. After submitting a tape, Canfield found herself captivated by Bailey’s “cheekiness” and “humor,” alongside his authentic portrayal of “real humanity” and “real vulnerability.” Canfield noted, “When we saw that, we knew that was what we needed.”
The casting directors’ commitment proved fruitful, culminating in Bailey’s eventual casting as Fiyero. Reflecting on Bailey’s busy schedule, the casting directors noted his absence from the recent NBC special *Wicked: One Wonderful Night*, where co-star Bowen Yang filled in for him during a performance due to his commitments in London. However, Bailey did participate in pre-taped discussions with the cast during the special.
Bailey’s career has surged in recent years, driven by the success of both *Bridgerton* and the *Jurassic World* franchise. He recently announced plans to scale back his acting commitments in 2026 to focus on his LGBTQ+ organization, The Shameless Fund. Nonetheless, fans can expect to see him return as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the fourth season of *Bridgerton*, set to premiere on January 29, 2026.
The casting decision to secure Bailey as Fiyero has proven to be a pivotal moment for the production. His dynamic presence and ability to share the screen with talents such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reaffirmed the casting directors’ faith in their choice. The pursuit of Bailey for this role exemplifies both the challenges and triumphs of casting in the competitive world of entertainment.
The Wicked franchise, based on Gregory Maguire‘s novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, has expanded into a global phenomenon, transitioning from a Broadway musical to a highly anticipated two-part film adaptation. As Bailey steps into the shoes of Fiyero, audiences eagerly await his portrayal of the character in this beloved story that explores the complexities of friendship and identity.
